Legendary Race Car Driver Mario Andretti to Receive Title of Commendatore from the Republic of Italy

Italy Celebrates Extraordinary Career of Native Son

DATE: October 23, 2006

TIME: Reception 6:00 PM - Ceremony 7:00 PM

LOCATION: Columbus Citizens Foundation, 8 E. 69 St., New York
City

EVENT AND
PHOTO OP: Mario Andretti, 66-years old, will be awarded the title
of Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana from Antonio
Bandini, Consul General of Italy to New York in
recognition of Mario's remarkable career and good
character, which have reinforced a positive image of
Italians throughout the world.

DETAILS: In a career that spanned an unprecedented five decades,
Mario Andretti has achieved prominence in almost every
category of motor racing. He has been Formula One
World Champion, Indy 500 winner, Daytona 500 winner,
four-time Indy Car National Champion, USAC National
Dirt Track Champion and three-time winner of 12 Hours
of Sebring, among others. He has been named Driver of
the Year in three different decades, Driver of the
Quarter Century, and Driver of the Century by the
Associated Press and RACER Magazine.

Present at the ceremony will be members of the Andretti
racing dynasty, including his son Michael, a retired
Indy car champion and owner of Andretti Green Racing,
and his 19-year old grandson, Marco, who in 2006 was
named Rookie of the Year by the Indy Racing League.

CONTACT: For Mario Andretti: Patty Reid -- 651.454.4641 --
PattyReid1@aol.com
Andrew Decker -- 212.222.4688 -- Andrew.Decker@att.net
Giuliana Ridolfi Cardillo -- Press Officer -- Italian
Cultural Institute
Tel. 212.879.4242 x 324 -- giuliana.ridolfi@esteri.it